We at RF Immunity strongly believe that a Filter Connector is the best-proven way to ensure electromagnetic compatibility. Although there are several ways to solve EMI /RFI problems, mostly with traditional “mechanical ways like grounding, shielding isolation, etc. filter connector is the most effective solution for solving EMI /RFI problems. To support this statement, this article will try to overview and promote the idea of using filter connectors as the first choice.

The first reason is Time to Market. In order not to depend on sub-contractors, most manufacturers tend to use in-house engineering to try and solve EMC issues. This increases pressure on the engineers and, eventually, might lead to the opposite result by over-tasking the engineers or by receiving only partial solutions for EMC tests. Many of the Filter Connectors are simple «Off the Shelf» (OTS) products whether Commercial, Industrial, Medical, or Military products. In other cases, where special care should be taken, most of the filter connectors manufacturers, and RF Immunity among them, know how to deal with the requirements and succeed in delivering an effective solution in time.

The second reason is Cost. When bringing the Filter Connector prices into consideration, it will be tripled and even up to ten times higher than a regular standard connector cost. This issue brings dilemmas for the buyers and purchasing department that, eventually, encourage the R&D team to develop a filter on their own. Yet, Filter Connectors are the most cost-effective product when considering the man-hour and nonreturnable engineering time.

The third reason is Knowledge. Most engineers would like to practice their knowledge instead of purchasing it from other parties. This way of thinking is an «Old Fashion Method» that causes time lost and, eventually, money lost. In the field of electronics and electrical products, the global market is like a tiny village where the competition for technologies is high but, on the other hand, the sharing of information makes the design easy and smooth for the engineers. The knowledge of RF Immunity filter designers is based on practical problem solving and their practice is proven through countless projects around the globe.

In addition, there are several other reasons to choose a Filter Connector. Starting at the last but major problem – the EMC tests, using a Filter Connector is the best appropriate solution design for EMC pointed to “kill” or reduce I/O noise and interferences at the system entry, and at one of the enclosures EMI/RFI getaway windows.

In addition, Better attenuation performance is achieved while using Filter Connector. At high frequencies, the attenuation of the Pi filter section incorporated into the Filtered Connector can be up to 40dB higher than the equivalent filter section spread out on PCB.

Another reason is the Easy retrofit for already existing non-filtered connectors. After failing the EMC test, Filtered Connectors are the quickest way to improve system EMC performance, redesign costs, and time to market. In addition, the vast of manufacturers gives the ability to fully cross-reference.

But, maybe the best claim to support the use of Filtered Connectors is space-saving. Using a Filtered Connector, in its non-filtered standard dimensions, significantly reduces the usage of other filter components on the PCB.